Rivers by Bike

France’s river valleys, large and small, offer so many bucolic trails to enjoy by bike. The Loire à Vélo route may be the star among the official cycle routes here, but there are numerous other enchanting ones tracking rivers and canals.

Long before canals, railway lines and roads crisscrossed the French countryside, rivers were the natural transport routes, used by men and merchandise alike. Along many of France’s rivers, the natural environment has been well preserved and the river banks are lined with ports and towns packed with history, places that it’s fascinating to arrive at by bike.

Discover the véloroutes, greenways and cycle tracks set alongside rivers large and small across France.